Please note that calling hours and funeral HAVE NOT changed due to the weather.

Emile L. Bedard ended his fight with cancer at Durgin Pines in Kittery, Maine Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. Emile is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley J. Bedard, his children, Suzanne L.  Davis of Brockton, Massachusetts, Yvonne A. Alford of Warren, Ohio, Lorraine M. Lavigne and her husband Al Lavigne of Hudson, Massachusetts, Dianne M. Hayes and her husband, Donald Hayes of Rutland, Massachusetts, and Elaine M. Goebel of Worcester, Massachusetts, his fourteen grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, his sisters, Therese Boulay of Marlborough, MA and Lucille Cross of Worcester, MA and his brothers Armand Bedard of Rhode Island and Albert Bedard of Florida.   He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Laura Bedard of Marlborough, Massachusetts, his brother, Clarence Bedard of California and his sister, Marguerite Ballard of Marlborough.  Emile was born on June 25, 1930 in Marlborough, Massachusetts to Ernest and Laura Bedard.  After two years at Worcester Academy, he transferred to Marlborough High School where he eventually met the love of his life, Shirley.  He graduated from Marlborough High school in 1949.  Emile was a star athlete and was best known for his antics on the football and baseball fields.  He was voted best athlete in high school by his classmates.  He married Shirley “Hinckley” Bedard, his high school sweetheart, on June 30, 1951.  They moved to Hudson, Massachusetts where they raised their five daughters all of whom attended and graduated Hudson Catholic High School.  He began working for Purity Supreme Supermarket as a meat cutter and worked his way up to meat manager for many years until he retired in 1993.  He and his wife fulfilled their dream of spending their golden years in Maine.  He soon became a very active member of the community and Church.  He became a long time member of the Sanford Country Club were he enjoyed several rounds of golf a week with his friends.  Emile was an avid golfer and always tried to encourage his children and grandchildren to pursue the sport.  Emile was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus in both Hudson, Massachusetts and Wells, Maine.  He achieved the honor of a 4th Degree Sir Knight of the Holy Spirit Assembly of Kennebunk-Wells and was Grand Knight in Hudson, MA and in Wells, ME.  He helped to organize and coordinate the Fr. Kelly Counsel Bowling League for St. Mary’s Church which he enjoyed over the winter months. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family and his community.  He was generous with his time and wisdom to all who would knock on his door.  Emile volunteered at several different organizations over his lifetime which included CCD, Meals on Wheels and at his local Senior Center and Church.  He spent 17 years as a Pony League,  Little League and Babe Ruth coach in the Marlborough area.  He was instrumental in setting an example of good sportsmanship, commitment, integrity, and the meaning of being a team player to all players he coached and mentored. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday February 10 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Hudson, Massachusetts, with a reception to follow at the Elks in Hudson.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate in Emile’s life. Burial will follow the Mass in St. Michael Cemetery, Hudson. The calling hours will be held at Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street,Marlborough on Thursday, February 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Durgin Pines for their amazing efforts, dedication and compassion given to Emile and his family and friends during his stay with them.  The family would also like to thank his doctors and nurses, specifically, Dr. Michael Major and his staff, all of whom helped guide Emile and his family through this process with such grace and dignity.   

 Service Information